The Clear Money Mindset

Downsizing in retirement sounds simple — sell the big house, buy something smaller, pocket the difference. In reality, it's one of the most emotional and financially complex decisions Canadians face. In this episode, Ben Davies sits down with real estate agent Alyssa Ismail, mortgage brokers Rob and Sandra Zanet, and real estate & estate lawyer Sebastian Schmoranz for a 360-degree look at what...

In Part 2 of our 2026 Real Estate Round Table, we are diving deep into the essential programs and strategies you need to know if you're looking to enter the housing market. We are once again joined by our incredible local expert panel: Sebastian Schmoranz (Lawyer, Kingsville), Alyssa Ismail (Real Estate Agent, Windsor Essex), and Rob & Sandra Zanet (Mortgage Brokers, Indi Mortgage Co.). In thi...

Welcome back to The Clear Money Mindset with Ben Davies! We are kicking off a highly anticipated, multi-part series: our annual Spring Real Estate Roundtable. In Part 1, we are diving deep into the current state of the Windsor-Essex real estate market. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in 2026, you'll hear essential tips, market trends, and insider insights to help you make the best fi...

Tax season is almost here, and there are significant changes on the horizon for Canadian taxpayers. In this episode of The Clear Money Mindset, Ben sits down with Josie Hope, CPA, CMA and owner of JH Business Solutions, to break down exactly what you need to know before you file. From the new "Middle Class Tax Cut" reducing the lowest marginal rate to 14%, to the often-overlooked tax implications...

Are you confused by financial jargon? Do you know the difference between a stock and an RRSP? In this episode of The Clear Money Mindset, host Ben Davies goes back to basics on the Registered Retirement Savings Plan. We break down exactly how an RRSP works, why it’s described as a "container" rather than the investment itself, and how it can help you lower your tax bill today while saving for tomo...

Welcome to The Clear Money Mindset with Ben Davies. In this episode, recorded just before Thanksgiving, we explore the practical and personal benefits of charitable giving—especially how it can positively impact your finances and reduce your income tax in Canada. Listeners will learn: Why charitable giving adds purpose to your finances and helps support causes you care about. How charitable donati...

In this episode of The Clear Money Mindset, host and Financial Advisor Ben Davies breaks down everything you need to know about the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). We cover the basics of what a TFSA is, how contribution limits work, the wide range of investment options available, and common pitfalls to avoid. You’ll also learn practical strategies to maximize your TFSA—whether that’s growing your...

In this episode of The Clear Money Mindset, we’re talking all things new builds—what makes buying a brand-new home different from purchasing a resale, and what every buyer should know before jumping in. Host Ben Davies is joined by a knowledgeable panel: Alyssa Ismail, Real Estate Agent with Century 21, Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers, and Rob & Sandra Zanet from Indi Mortgages. We explo...

In this episode of The Clear Money Mindset, Ben Davies cuts through the noise of market hype, prediction videos, and investment fads to bring you timeless financial principles that have stood the test of time. You'll learn: Why starting to save early (even small amounts) is a game-changer How diversification protects not just your money, but your peace of mind The dangers of overanalyzing short-te...

In this episode, Ben Davies is joined by Alyssa Ismail from Century 21, Sebastian Schmoranz of MSSH Lawyers, and Rob & Sandra Zanet of Indi Mortgages. They dive into the current real estate market in the Windsor/Essex area, discussing house prices, bidding wars, mortgage rates, and more. Whether you're buying or selling a home, tune in for valuable tips and expert insights to navigate this dyn...

Ashley Harmon, an estate and power of attorney lawyer at Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP, continues her insightful discussion with Ben. Ashley's experience navigating the complexities of trusts and estate planning brings a wealth of knowledge—covering both the successes and pitfalls she’s encountered in her practice.  In this deep dive, she explores common estate planning issues, including:  The bigg...

It’s a new year—a fresh start to improve ourselves and deepen our understanding of finances, including topics we might shy away from, like legacy and estate planning. In this first podcast of 2025, Ben is thrilled to welcome back Ashley Harmon, a Lawyer specializing in estates. Ashley will explain why having a solid estate plan is essential for ensuring your assets are distributed according to you...

As 2024 draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on a year of financial and personal growth. In this episode, we explore the major financial & market highlights of the year, offer essential year-end planning tips, and share strategies to kickstart 2025 on the right foot. We'll discuss: How the markets performed in 2024 Economic challenges and key updates Upcoming tax information and...

To incorporate or not to incorporate is the question, a question with no definitive answer. In a world where starting a business has never been easier, choosing the right path can be overwhelming. A farmer or construction worker may have different considerations than a tech startup—but do they really? Today, we’re joined by the lively lawyer Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers. Sebastian will gu...

Want Free Money for Your Child's Education? In today’s podcast, we’ll break down the powerful RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). This savings tool is designed to help parents and guardians save for their child’s post-secondary education, offering some amazing perks. We'll cover how the RESP works, the types of contributions you can make, and how the government boosts your savings through th...

Get ready for round 2. The back half of this real estate roundtable is now streaming.   We've got mystery, excitement, and all things real estate! Ben is joined by Rob & Sandra Zanet from Team Zanet Mortgage Brokers, Alyssa Ismail from Century 21 Local Home Team Realty Inc., and Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers. Tune in as we dive into bridge financing, peak closing times, non-negotiable...

What do you call it when you gather a financial advisor, a lawyer, a real estate agent, and two mortgage brokers in a room and give them a microphone?  Answer: An informative podcast that can help empower you if you are buying or selling a home.  Navigating the real estate market is no joke, especially with the ever-changing climate of interest rates, mortgage rules, affordability, inflation, and...

Spring has sprung and our latest podcast is in full bloom.  Tune in to our latest episode of The Clear Money Mindset, where we provide a spring update on the ever-evolving real estate market of 2024. Joining Ben is special guest Sebastian Schmoranz, a seasoned lawyer from McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz, Hart Professional Corporation based in Kingsville, Ontario.  In this episode we explore current tren...

Get ready to dive into the latest and greatest tax updates. Josie Hope, CPA with LJ Business Solutions is talking 2023 taxes with Ben. Some changes that you should know about before you file (which now must be done digitally or else you can incur a hefty fee.) Some of the things we touch on this informative cast include:  Multigenerational home renovation tax credit  Property flipping changes  Cha...

Continuing the theme of balancing your money so you can live the life you want to live. Part 2 of this inspiring podcast is now streaming. Join Ben and Andrew Hallam, the esteemed author behind the acclaimed personal finance book "Balance” as they continue their conversation about how to spend for happiness, how to invest effectively, how to boost life satisfaction and enhance longevity.  

How do you define success? Is it lots of money, flashy cars, a dream job, exploring the world or spending time with family and friends?  “Think of success as a four-legged table, with each leg representing a quadrant. Each quadrant depends on the other.  If they don’t all play their part equally, the table collapses. If one leg is spindly or cracked, it’s tough to maximize your life satisfaction,...

Tune in to the most financially festive podcast of the season with your favourite financial five. The Team at Davies Financial is at it again for our annual Christmas podcast. Get ready for a sleigh ride of laughs, dad jokes, and all things merry and monetary. This year Ben is joined by the staff of Davies financial where Alicia, Victoria, Melissa, and Andrea tolerate Ben’s jokes on this company m...

Episode Focus: Critical Illness Insurance—This episode provides critical information with expert insights from Jeff Minaker, Account Executive from Empire Life. A great chat on personal finance, as Jeff explains the strategic importance of this coverage. - 🚀 Elevate your financial knowledge and make informed decisions for you and your family. - 📈 Learn why Critical Illness Insurance is a key pla...

In part 2 of this podcast on disability insurance we delve deeper into the different components and reasons for disability insurance. Jamie Kenrick of RBC insurance and Ben continue their discussion and shed some light on this important product. 

On this episode of The Clear Money Mindset we are going to shed some light on the importance of Disability Insurance. Did you know that statistically, 1 in 4 people will experience a disability in their working years?  This episode is dedicated to exploring Disability Insurance, Jamie Kenrick of RBC insurance joins Ben and offers his expert advice as we navigate this critical aspect of financial s...